A article explores why some conservatives call Donald Trump “daddy.” Jacob Neiheisel, Associate Professor in Political Science at the University at Buffalo, analyzed what this reveals about Trump’s style and his supporters' views.
Neiheisel believes Trump’s nationalist and populist approach fuels this nickname, as supporters see him as a tough leader. He connects this to research linking conservatism with a “strict father” worldview.
He warns that this view may make supporters less likely to hold Trump accountable and more likely to expect him to punish opponents. Instead, he suggests seeing leaders as employees whom citizens “hire” or “fire” based on performance.